Advocacy Group Calls on Vaz to Apologise for Use of ‘Chi Chi Man’ on Platform

Equality for All Foundation, formerly J-FLAG, wants member of parliament, MP, for West Portland, Daryl Vaz, to apology for what it says is his endorsement of homophobic lyrics.

Vaz ended his presentation at the South East Clarendon constituency conference on Sunday with a 2001 hit song by TOK, ‘Chi Chi Man’.

Daryl Vaz, West Portland MP.

The term ‘chi chi man’ is a derogatory label that refers to gay men. The song is purported to promote violence against gay men.

Equality for All says it is disappointed in the use of homophobic slurs at political rallies.

It says it condemns the willingness of a sitting member of parliament and cabinet minister to encourage the playing of a song widely known to advocate for violence against LGBTQ+ persons in Jamaica.

Executive director, Glenroy Murray, says the use of the song represents a backward step for the nation’s politics and the country at large.

The foundation also wants the Office of the Political Ombudsman to issue a clear statement that the use of homophobic or any other discriminatory language targeting a person or community is not acceptable.